apostasy

Noun
Synonyms: renunciationdefectiontergiversation

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)Synonyms: renunciationdefection
  2. the act of abandoning a party for causeSynonyms: tergiversation
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Apostasy \A*pos"ta*sy\, n.; pl. Apostasies. [OE. apostasie, F. apostasie, L. apostasia, fr. Gr. ? a standing off from, a defection, fr. ? to stand off, revolt; ? from + ? to stand. See Off and Stand.] An abandonment of what one has voluntarily professed; a total desertion of departure from one's faith, principles, or party; esp., the renunciation of a religious faith; as, Julian's apostasy from Christianity. [1913 Webster]
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